Auli History

Auli is a popular ski resort in Uttarakhand, India, located in the Himalayan Mountains. In fact, according to several French and Australian experts, Auli is one of the top ski resorts in the world. Perfect natural panoramas of massive peaks are studded with huge mountainous trees in Auli, providing a spectacular backdrop that motivates compulsive travelers to return to Auli Tours regularly. Auli is not as well-known as Shimla, Gulmarg, or Manali as a ski resort. On the journey to Badrinath, you'll pass through Auli. Auli has a spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas, the world's largest mountain range. The slopes here provide enough excitement for both professional and amateur skiers.

Auli Geography

Auli is a hill station in Uttarakhand, India which lies at approximately 2,800 meters and is covered by acres of oak and coniferous forests, offers stunning views of some of India's highest peaks, including Nanda Devi, the country's second-highest mountain (7,816m).  It also serves as a gateway to the Nanda Devi which is India's second-highest mountain and Valley of Flowers, which also include the Hemkund Sahib gurdwara, as well as popular treks like Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan. Apart from Auli, Uttarakhand boasts several other ski resorts, including Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari, and Mundali.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places To Visit in Auli

Skiing in Auli 

Amongst all the snow adventures, skiing is probably aces. Lauded as one of the world's best skiing grounds, Auli is a perfect destination for all the adventure enthusiasts who visit here downhill on the snow engulfed slopes. You'll find a lot of professional skiers geared up for this adventure activity, but even if you are merely a beginner, skiing in Auli would probably make you fond of this snow gliding activity. In winters, when the meadows are capped with a thick blanket of powdered snow, skiing is a lot more fun than just sport.

Artificial Lake

Auli boasts its man-made lake which is also the world's highest and one of its kind. The project was initiated by the government of Uttarakhand to aid the ski slopes at the time of low snowfall. This lake is not only an eye-pleasing landscape but also serves the purpose of supplying water to the snow-making machines installed beside the ski slope. Auli's artificial lake is best known for its hues in different seasons. The meadows in summers are lush green and the panoramic view of the surrounding peaks looks magnificent with this lake. Whereas the winters bring in a thick blanket of soft snow and this frozen lake makes a cherry on top for the winter wonderland of Auli.

Rope-way

Covering a total distance of 4 km, the cable car ride is one of the most significant things to see in Auli. Locally known as ‘Gondola’ this car ride is the second-highest in Asia after Gulmarg. This 24 minutes ride gives an enchanting bird's eye view of the surroundings which includes mountain peaks, valleys, lush green forests, the town of Joshimath, and while reaching Auli, one may see tiny human figures skiing/enjoying on gleaming white snow. This is a two-way route that starts from Joshimath and ends at Auli skiing point. Used by hundreds of tourists each day, the ride has limited batches, and timings are fixed by the government. This rope-way ride is a must thing to do whenever one plans a trip to Auli.

Gorson Bugyal

The vast grasslands or meadows on hills are called bugyals in the local language of Uttarakhand. Trekking on any of these bugyals while on a trip to the mountains is always rewarding. One such trek, while you visit Auli, is the Gorson Bugyal trek, which is open throughout the year. Located at a height of 11500ft, Gorson Bugyal is one of the most popular treks in the Garhwal region. One can witness the beauty of the neighboring mountain peaks like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, Gori Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Nar Parvat, Kamat, and a few more while walking through the dense coniferous forest of oak and deodar trees. The quaint vibe of the forest and hills is truly mesmerizing and the trek is one of the many best things to do in Auli.

Trishul Peak

The Trishul peak comprises the three Himalayan mountain summits in western Kumaun. The Trishul group, at 7120m, is in the southwest corner of the ring of peaks that surround Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The main peak, Trisul I, was the first summit over 7,000 meters to be completed by someone in 1907. The greatest places to see the peak are Kausani and the Roopkund Trek.

Joshimath

Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Jyotirmath’ which means place of Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, Joshimath is the winter seat of Lord Badri. The idol is brought down to Joshimath from Badrinath after the yatra commences in autumn every year. Joshimath is 11kms from Auli and is also a gateway to many expeditions and places like Badrinath, Valley of Flowers, etc. Joshimath is worth a visit as it has many local tourist attractions too like Narsingh Temple, Shankaracharya Math, Bhavishya Badri, Vridha Badri, and many more.

Local Shopping

If you visit Auli, especially in winters, you may need ample gear and equipment like gumboots, walking stick gloves, etc and all these are easily available anywhere in Auli. The cheerful and colorful pahadi caps are very common and many tourists are busy and wear them throughout the trip. You can also get woolen socks, gloves, caps, shawls, and other winter wear at reasonable prices.

Local Cuisine

Travelling is more fun when we try the local food or cuisine of the place where we go. The local Uttarakhand cuisine is quite peculiar but is certainly worth a try. You will find a vast range of eateries in Auli where you’ll find an essence of the purity of the Himalayas. There are many small food joints where you can get Maggie, parathas, tea, coffee for your refreshment. Some of the famous Pahadi sweets are Singaudi, Bal Mithai, and Chocolate Mithai. And of course, if you are a Momos lover, Auli is a haven as these delicious dumplings are very common here as well as the nearby places.

Places Near Auli

Mana (60kms from Auli)

This hamlet is mere 5kms away and is culturally connected to Badrinath. Mana Village is closed in winters as local people migrate to lower land temporarily due to heavy snowfall that covers the village. This mesmerizing village, being close to the Indo-Tibetian border is also considered as the last village of India.

Bhavishya Badri (30kms from Auli)

One of the Panch Badri temples, Bhavishya Badri is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to be the future seat of Badrinath. This temple is said to open its doors for pilgrims on the same date when the door of Badrinath opens.

Valley of Flowers (45kms from Auli)

Commonly popular as ‘Phoolon ki Ghati’, this bewitching trek covers dense forests, waterfalls, bridges and is a home to an extensive range of wild flora, most of which is endemic and fauna including some endangered species. This aesthetic valley is a wholesome retreat for all the nature buffs with around 10kms of the trek. 

Hemkund Sahib (40kms from Auli)

Said to be the world’s highest Gurudwara, this well renowned Sikh pilgrimage place is situated at the height of 15,200ft. The base camp of this trek is Govindghat which is approximately 9 km from Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. Bhramakamal, the state flower of Uttarakhand which is a flowering plant native to the Himalayas, is found here in abundance.

Kalpeshwar(450kms from Auli)

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the famous Panch Kedar temples where the hair locks or jata of Lord Shiva is worshiped in the form of a tree on top of a rock cave. The trek has now been reduced to 1 km, after the construction of a jeepable road from Helang to Urgam.

Best Time To Visit Auli

Auli in Summer Season

• Auli, a beautiful hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, has a cool climate all year. The weather of Auli is pleasant during the summer season i.e March to June, with a temperate climate. The temperature is at 15 degrees Celsius, and the tourists are delighted to have a clear sky. The summer season of Auli is great for tours and visiting local tourist attractions. During the summer season, camps are held in the lush Alpine and Pinewoods. The Himalayan ranges provide tourists with a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains.

Auli in Winter Season

• The temperature falls below the freezing point at -10 degrees during the winter season, which lasts from November to February. The average temperature of Auli is around 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. This is an ideal time to visit the hill station for travelers who love the cool weather. Various winter treks are organized, including the Kuari Pass North Face Winter Trek, which begins at Joshimath. Auli is a paradise for skiing, which happens only during the winter season.

Temperature of Auli

• Auli In Summers: Max 20°C Min 10°C
• Auli In Winters: Max 10.7°C Min - 4°C Know more...

How To Reach Auli

Auli by Air

• The nearest airport to Auli is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Chennai, and Lucknow are all well-connected from this airport.
• Air India, Spice Jet, Jet Airways, Indigo, and Ventura AirConnect are among the major airlines that fly these routes.
• Tourists from outside India can fly to Jolly Grant Airport from any of these cities when connection flights are available.

Auli by Train

• The most convenient method to get to Auli is via train. Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kotdwar, and Dehradun are the closest railway stations to Auli, although Haridwar is the nearest railway station from Auli.
• Tourists can take buses or taxis to Joshimath from these railway stations. To get to Auli, take a bus or take Asia's longest cable car from Joshimath.
• From Haridwar, the greatest connectivity options to other Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai are accessible. These cities are also well-connected to Rishikesh.

Auli by Road

• Traveling by road to Auli is an amazing adventure with beautiful landscapes. Joshimath, which is only 16 kilometers from Auli and has excellent transport connections, is the closest town.
• The bus runs to Joshimath from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other neighboring states. The distance between Delhi to Auli is 504 km.
• To go to Auli, tourists can use state transport buses, cabs, jeeps, or luxury buses from Joshimath and the distance between Haridwar to Auli is 203 km. Know More

Places To Stay in Auli

Cliff-Top Club

One of its kind, this luxurious property rests over the ski slope and is one of the busiest hotels/resorts in Auli. Cliff-Top Club, the second-highest resort in the world rewards a panoramic view of Garhwal’s Himalayan range which also includes a 270-degree view of the highest peak in India and the third-highest in the world, Nanda Devi. Other peaks include Dronagiri, Kamet, Trishul, Neelkanth, Mana, and Mukut capped in snow.

Tattva Resort

This majestic resort holds its place among the most opulent hotels in Auli and offers 3 room types viz Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Rooms. You can avail some lavish amenities like preinstalled room heaters and electric blankets which are quite rare in the mountains. The ambiance is uplifted by the presence of a beautiful garden that has hammocks, beautiful flora, and bonfires at night.

Himalayan Abode

Renowned for its comfortable and cozy stay this homestay cum hotel is situated at the heart of Joshimath. One can enjoy the view of the mighty Alaknanda river flowing, through the windows of their rooms. This homestay has well-furnished rooms with wooden floors and an attached kitchen and bathroom. At the Himalayan Abode, you will not only experience great hospitality but also indulge in the authenticity and culture of Uttarakhand. 

Places To Eat in Auli

Taste the traditional non-vegetarian dish kachmauli (the goat seasoned with mustard oil, chilly, and turmeric), also taste the Bal mithai which is also a famous delicacy of Uttarakhand.

Auli ‘D Food Plaza

Auli-D Food Plaza is about 13 kilometers from Auli in Joshimath. Indulge in scrumptious Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisine at this famous restaurant. The interiors are meant to look like a banquet hall. Attentive client service will assist you in having a pleasant dining experience. You can order according to your preferences, as there are alternatives for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. This food court takes great pride in its delectable offerings. Expert chefs have hand-picked the dishes on the menu. On the premises of this tranquil restaurant, savor a delectable dinner. You'll be compelled to return for more of the delicious meals.

Manoranjan Cakes N Bakes

It appears impossible to imagine a life without baked goods. Joshimath, located 13 kilometers from Auli, is the ideal place to satisfy your sweet taste. This bakery, known for its freshly baked cakes, is the go-to place for ordering scrumptious cakes and pastries. On your anniversary, surprise your loved ones with a custom-designed cake. The delicious cakes will melt in your mouth, and give you satisfaction.  Try the pancakes and ice cream as well. They are well-known for their delicacy. This bakery is certain to surprise you for a modest little establishment buried away in the middle of a bustling street.

Do’s and Don’t in Auli

Do’s 

• Do keep some dry fruits and biscuits that will provide you energy. 
• Do carry thermal wear and an extra pair of shoes. 
• Make sure you have cash with you.
• Do carry essential things during travel
• Do careful skiing 
• Do check twice the gears of skii

Don’t 

• Do not litter on the mountain. 
• Always put garbage in the dustbin or keep it in the bag only. 
• Do not carry anything during skiing.
• Do not forget the guidelines during skiing.